Physician Spotlight on Dr. Jeffrey Chen

How did you get interested in hand surgery?

I was fascinated by the delicate and complex anatomy of the hand and wrist, and how it allows us to interact with the world around us. Although a small area, hand surgeons treat a wide variety of conditions which always keeps the work exciting. Seeing patients recover and get back to what they enjoy is deeply fulfilling and is ultimately what keeps me passionate about this exciting field.

What is your practice philosophy?

I strive to treat my patients the way I would like my own family to be treated. This involves spending time with them to understand their unique concerns, needs, and goals. Hand and upper extremity issues often have multiple treatment options – two patients with identical issues may benefit from completely different treatments. Taking an individualized approach to each patient helps me understand their situation and maximize outcomes through shared decision making.

What trends do you see in hand surgery?

There continues to be a push towards minimally invasive and wide-awake surgeries. Surgeries which previously required general anesthesia can now be performed under light sedation or local anesthesia. Improved surgical technologies now allow patients with certain injuries to start using their hand and participating in therapy earlier than ever before. Increasing use of ultrasound has improved our ability to diagnose conditions quickly and reduce invasive testing. The goal of all the above is to minimize risk to the patient while allowing them to return to their life or job as soon and as safely as possible.

How do you stay current in your field?

I am a member of regional and national societies including the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. I also attend meetings, conferences, and other educational events on a regional and national level. I frequently read the latest publications and research studies to stay up-to-date on advances in the field. Medicine is constantly involving. Staying current allows us to provide the highest quality of care for our patients.

What are your personal interests?

Outside of work, I enjoy snowboarding, pickleball, trying new foods, and spending time with my family, which includes my wife, soon-to-be daughter, and mini goldendoodle.